Disneyland during Halloween time is probably my favorite time to be there. Of course Christmas is magical, but the crowds are also bigger. Halloween time brings decor, experiences, meet n’ greets, and food you can only experience for 2 months out of the year.
I get asked almost weekly for tips on how to do Disney, but Halloween time is the one I get the most. I’ve decided it’s time to share it all with the world.
First, if you’re planning ahead of time for your trip look into Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. THIS IS THE BEST EXPERIENCE!!! I cannot say enough good things about this party!
You need to first understand that this is a separate ticket from the day pass. The ticket for the party will get you into the park 3 hours prior to the party starting which puts you at either 3 or 4pm.
Pros to party:
- Once it starts, everyone who doesn’t have a ticket to the party gets kicked out. Yes, you heard me right.
- Did you know that the number of tickets they sell for the party vs. the number of tickets they sell for a regular day ticket is exponentially smaller. This means the wait time for rides is essentially nonexistent. I’m not kidding you when I tell you we ran onto Space Mountain, were able to ride buzz lightyear over and over, and the Matterhorn was only a 5 minute wait.
- Photopass is included with the ticket. You can get professional pictures taken all night including the Disney magic they add and upload them all for free.
- Characters you typically never see, like the Villains, come out for photo opportunities.
- There are once in a lifetime dance parties with your favorite characters. My son’s face was filled with pure joy when he looked up to see Woody and Jessie walking towards him. They grabbed his hand and they danced. Character after character comes out every hour to kick it with their biggest fans.
- Trick or Treating takes place all around the park. There are about 3-4 candy locations in each “land”. We didn’t even visit half of the candy locations and we had heaping bags, per person, filled with candy and healthy goodies as well.
- The Halloween parade is top notch. Only those at the party get to experience the music, dancing, and mind blowing floats. Every year it gets bigger and better.
- I saved the best for last…the fireworks show. Guys, I cannot even begin to describe how amazing it is! The music, lights, fireworks, and theatrics are out of this world. Did you know Disneyland is the only one to have a fireworks show like this!? Disney World passholders have even admitted theirs doesn’t even compare to ours. WOW, JUST WOW!
Cons to party:
- It is pricier than a regular day pass. It currently runs about $120 a ticket. I advise people to skip purchasing an all day pass as well and instead taking the morning to sleep in, relax and even take a nap. Due to the lower crowds you can ride more rides in an hour than you can if you went during the day and you still get all the extras. Plan to stay till closing or at least close to it. The ticket also allows you to park hop, but again I would recommend staying in Disneyland because California Adventure will be extremely packed.
- Tickets are limited and go fast, I’m talking within a week of going on sale fast. You will need to watch the Disneyland Special ticket site for the release date but historically tickets have been released in June. The party starts in September so there’s lots of opportunities.
Going to Disneyland and California Adventure during Halloween time is just as magical even if you weren’t able to get a party ticket. Here’s my list of things you must do to fully experience all Halloween time has to offer:
- Food- both parks are filled with special Halloween themed treats. I’m a sucker for caramel apples and they certainly don’t disappoint. From the apples and cake pops to beignets and drinks you will be filled with all Halloween and fall has to offer. Do yourself a favor and try the pumpkin beignets over in New Orleans Square. Check out this ultimate foodie post for the low down on all things food at the parks.
- Ambiance- Disney hit the nail on the head with both parks in regards to decor and photo opportunities. Cars Land in California Adventure is simply amazing! The Cozy Cone features pumpkin faces and no so scary spooky faces are hanging in between power lines. I can’t forget Main Street in Disneyland. It has tons of photo opportunities for the whole family.
- Rides- Watch some of your favorites fitted with an overlay that looks like it was made that way. Space Mountain becomes Hyperspace Mountain full of ghouls and screams. I will warn this is a bit scary for young kids. My 5 year old refuses to ride it again. One ride that actually becomes less scary than normal is the haunted mansion. If you haven’t ridden it before there are typically dancing ghosts, ghouls popping out from behind tombstones, and 3 ghosts that like to join you in your seat. During Halloween time Jack Skeleton and his Nightmare Before Christmas crew turn the haunted mansion into, well not so haunted. It’s a fun twist on Christmas during Halloween time. My kids can’t get enough of this ride. If you are going to the park during the day make sure you Maxpass or Fastpass this ride immediately.
- Characters- they will be walking around in their Halloween costumes. You can spot Mickey, Minnie, and friends in their costumes at Main Street. Lightening McQueen, Mater, and the crew will be located in Cars Land.
- People watching- it’s always fun to people watch at the parks but it’s a whole new level during Halloween. People attending the party typically dress up in some shape or form. It’s so fun to see what people come up with. We didn’t dress up the first year we went, but the second year we went our family did our take on Snow White.
New additions to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party in 2018 are as follows:
- Vampirina joins the Halloween parade. Make sure you get a spot for the parade at least an hour prior to it starting
- Baloo, King Louie, and Terk meet n’ greets can be found in adventureland
- Mickey and Minnie are sporting a different costume in Rancho del Zocalo Mexican restaurant in Frontierland
- Ichabod Crane joins the Headless Horsemen in his walk down the parade route about 10 minutes before it starts
May your trip be magical!
